Showing posts with label taking a break. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taking a break. Show all posts

Taking a break





A couple of months back I started to panic over the busyness of 2015. There seemed to be too much on my plate and not enough hours in the day. I was battling to give Nick as much time as I wanted and that lack of time was going to get worse.

I was finding it stressful to think about RDI engagements with Nick. I felt tense when planning how to implement the engagements, record them on video and then journal my reflections. I decided that it was time to sit back and really think about how I was feeling and do something about it.

What stood out for me whilst working my way through my feelings of angst was the fact that the RDI program does not only focus on my child and his development. RDI is also about mindful parenting, families, friends, relationships, myself, finding a balance and living life to the fullest. It was with this in mind that encouraged me to make the decision to take a break. I needed time out. It was important for me to pause and catch my breath.

The beauty of being a veteran RDI mum is that I know how to 'live the lifestyle' and that my relationship with Nick will not be compromised by putting the more formal side of RDI on hold. I am still going to be that 'declarative' mum who has the concept 'edge plus one' firmly stamped on her forehead. I am a 'go slow' woman who is very aware of giving Nick plenty of time to think for himself. In order to keep our consultant up to date, I will continue with my daily sporadic journal entries on day to day stuff. So lovely to know that she has our back, even though we will be on a break until the 1st of November, 2015.

It is all about achieving a healthy balance, therefore I am giving myself permission to take that break and embrace what the next few months have to offer. Lots of exciting happenings on the horizon and I can't wait to experience them, along with Nick. Hint, hint. An awesome family gathering here in South Africa. Also a little holiday that includes Nick. Watch this space!




Taking a break....


We all know that April is big in the autism community. For us in South Africa, April also means school holidays and long weekends, which makes for a very topsy turvy month! My birthday is in April, although it is a bit of a non event in my house! For my husband, April brings the extra challenge of running the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town.


Funnily enough, my birthday, the marathon and the expiry of my RDI subscription all fall on the same day!


Anyway, for the month of April, I have decided to give myself a birthday present! 


I am going to take a break!


Obviously I am not giving myself a break from autism, so to speak! That would be rather silly considering that my child has autism and I certainly can't ignore him! :)

Why am I taking a break? 
 I am tired, so tired of trying my best, so tired of trying to be Super Mum. I am tired of wearing my sensible big girl undies. I am tired of trying hard to maintain a balance. I admit it, more time and energy is put into my child with special needs than into me or the rest of the family. So, for the month of April I am going to tilt that balance in the opposite direction......... 

I am also going to give myself permission to NOT FEEL GUILTY if I don't give my child 100%..... Oops, that sounds a bit far fetched, but I am sure that you catch my drift!


I am not going to think about assignments, interactions and engagement. I am not going to think about following through on the O.T, Physio and SLT homework. In fact, I am going to try really hard not to think about any type of intervention.


If my child wants to eat Spaghetti Bolognaise (loaded with lentils and carrots!) every night during April, well then, so be it! If my boy wants to hop into my bed to watch a bit of TV in the early hours of the morning (not before 6am though!) I think I may join him. 


I am giving myself permission to take a break and not feel guilty about it!


In fact, I am going to be a very chilled mum woman from the first day of April right up until the very last day of April!


I also think that Nick is going to love having a relaxed mum!  I may have a little battle on my hands when May comes around and we commence with the whole routine again! :)


Oh yeah, I am also going to Cape Town for a long weekend with the Hubs and Teenager. Can't let the man run a marathon and not be there to catch him at the finish line. I wish we could take Nick with us; however, there are going to be too many people, too many social functions and too many changes ~ I know that he will be much happier staying at home!


I am giving myself permission to take a break and not feel guilty about it!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY *ME*


~*~